Roth IRA Calculator
Estimate how much your Roth IRA could be worth when you retire. Enter your age, balance, yearly contribution and expected return to see the balance, how much is your own money versus tax-free growth, and a year-by-year table. The contribution limit is editable so you can keep it current.
Long-run average, before inflation.
Optional, e.g. 2% to keep up with raises.
2026 IRS limit is $7,500 (2025: $7,000). Edit it if the limit changes.
2026: $1,100 (2025: $1,000).
Used only to estimate the tax-free benefit.
How to use the Roth IRA Calculator
- Enter your current age and the age you plan to retire.
- Add your current balance and how much you plan to contribute each year.
- Set the expected return, an optional yearly increase and inflation.
- Check the contribution limit: keep the cap on to stay within the IRS limit, and edit the amount if it changes.
- Press Calculate to see your balance at retirement, the growth chart and the year-by-year table.
How the Roth IRA projection works
The calculator grows your balance one year at a time. With contributions at the start of the year:
Balancenext = (Balance + Contribution) × (1 + r)
With a constant contribution C, starting balance B, return r and n years this is the familiar future value formula FV = B × (1 + r)n + C × [(1 + r)n − 1] ÷ r × (1 + r). When the cap is on, each year's contribution is limited to the limit you enter, plus the catch-up amount from age 50. Today's-dollar values divide the result by (1 + inflation)n.
Roth IRA contribution limits
| Tax year | Under 50 | Age 50 and over |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $7,000 | $8,000 |
| 2025 | $7,000 | $8,000 |
| 2026 | $7,500 | $8,600 |
The limit is shared across all your IRAs and cannot exceed your taxable compensation for the year. Higher earners can contribute less or nothing, depending on modified AGI. Always confirm the current figures on IRS.gov; you can type any limit into the calculator.
What maxing out a Roth IRA could grow to by 65
Contributing $7,500 at the start of every year from the age shown until 65, starting from $0 (limit held constant, no catch-up):
| Starting age | Years | Total contributed | At 5% a year | At 7% a year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 40 | $300,000.00 | $951,298.22 | $1,602,071.77 |
| 30 | 35 | $262,500.00 | $711,272.42 | $1,109,350.95 |
| 35 | 30 | $225,000.00 | $523,205.92 | $758,047.81 |
| 40 | 25 | $187,500.00 | $375,850.90 | $507,573.53 |
| 45 | 20 | $150,000.00 | $260,394.39 | $328,988.83 |
| 50 | 15 | $112,500.00 | $169,931.19 | $201,660.40 |
| 55 | 10 | $75,000.00 | $99,050.90 | $110,876.99 |
Starting earlier matters more than any other input because every contribution has more years to compound. Returns are not guaranteed; these are illustrations.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Roth IRA contribution limit?
For 2026 the IRS limit is $7,500 per person, or $8,600 if you are 50 or older ($7,000 and $8,000 for 2025). It is a combined limit for all your traditional and Roth IRAs, and you cannot contribute more than your earned income for the year. Check IRS.gov for the current figures.
How is Roth IRA growth calculated?
Each year the balance grows by the expected return: with start-of-year contributions, new balance = (old balance + contribution) × (1 + return). Repeating this for every year until retirement gives the final balance. Growth is the final balance minus your starting balance and contributions.
Are Roth IRA withdrawals tax-free?
Qualified withdrawals are tax-free: you must be at least 59½ and your first Roth IRA contribution must have been made at least five tax years earlier. Your own contributions can be withdrawn at any time without tax or penalty; early withdrawals of earnings may be taxed and penalized.
Is there an income limit for a Roth IRA?
Yes. The amount you may contribute phases out at higher modified adjusted gross incomes, and the ranges change every year. For 2025 the phase-out was $150,000 to $165,000 for single filers and $236,000 to $246,000 for married couples filing jointly.
What return should I assume?
Many people use 5% to 7% a year for a stock-heavy portfolio over the long run, and less for bonds or cash. Returns are never guaranteed and vary from year to year, so it helps to compare a cautious and an optimistic rate.
Roth IRA or traditional IRA?
A Roth IRA is funded with after-tax money and grows tax-free, so it usually wins if you expect a similar or higher tax rate in retirement. A traditional IRA may give a deduction now and is taxed on withdrawal. Many people use both.
Is this calculator financial advice?
No. It is an educational estimate that runs entirely in your browser and does not store your numbers on a server. Talk to a qualified adviser for personal tax or investment decisions.